A PENOLA woman has left her stamp on the globe, competing against some of the best and brightest shearers in the world.
Picking up the shears only 18 months ago, Tora Lambert has made a name for herself in the industry, competing across the country before heading overseas to continue her career.
Heading to the United Kingdom earlier this year, Tora entered shows around the country, topping the leader board in the
North Somerset Agricultural Show in the junior machine shearing category against both men and women.
Previously a rouseabout, Tora’s mum Christine said Tora was drawn to shearing after spending time around the shed, despite never showing interest as a young girl.
“We do have a bit of property and she was never interested in the animals,” Christine said.
“So it came as a bit of a shock to us that she wanted to start a career in shearing.
“She has just taken to it so well – it is incredible.”
Tora’s determination to better her skills led her to compete in last week’s 2019 Wool Shearing and Wool Handling Championship in Le Dorat, France.
Despite minimal experience in comparison to other competitors, Tora powered her way through the competition, reaching the top 12 for the semi-finals in the All Nations Women’s Intermediate Shearing competition.
Although there were other Australian competitors in her division, Tora was the only Aussie in the semi-finals, something Christine considers impressive.
“There was another Australian lady who had a lot more experience than Tora,” she said.
“But Tora just managed to do her best and land a spot in the semi-final.”
Although she did not finish the day in first position, Tora secured the title of eighth best woman in the world.
Now capitalising on her success, Tora plans to travel to Wales to compete at the Royal Welsh Show and explore Europe before returning to Australia later this year.
Naracoorte woolhandler Shannon Donoghue also made her mark in the competition, finishing first in the All Nations Senior Woolhandling competition.
